OLDHAM have bolstered their forwards with the addition of Tom Forber and Finlay Irwin.
Forber rejoins the club on loan from Wigan Warriors for the remainder of the season, whilst Irwin has signed from Swinton Lions on a deal until the end of the campaign.
It’s another spell with the Roughyeds for 23-year-old Forber, who made nine appearances for them split between the 2022, 2023 and 2025 campaigns.
The hooker earned his Wigan debut in 2022 and has played more than 20 times for the Cherry and Whites, including coming off the bench in their Super League Grand Final win over Hull KR in 2024.
He has also represented Newcastle Thunder, Castleford Tigers, Wakefield Trinity, Whitehaven, Widnes Vikings and Barrow Raiders in temporary stints.
With Oldham having lost both Australian Cole Geyer and Riley Dean to Super League clubs Huddersfield Giants and Bradford Bulls respectively, boss Alan Kilshaw believes Forber will add strength to the spine for the end-of-season run-in.
“We’re really pleased to bring in Tom,” said Kilshaw, who’s side are seeking a 15th consecutive league win at Hunslet on Sunday.
“With Cole and Riley leaving, we have been a little bit light in the spine.
“We were very grateful to Warrington after getting Ben Hartill and Daniel Regan in previously, but now we have someone who will be with us every week.
“He is very popular among the playing group from his performances last season, and I know the supporters will welcome this announcement as well.
“I am looking forward to working with him and seeing him in an Oldham shirt.”
Irwin, a former Wigan and Warrington Wolves youth product, will add strength and depth to the Oldham pack.
The ball-playing loose forward, who has also had spells with Brisbane Tigers and Widnes Vikings, has scored three tries in 10 appearances for the Lions this season.
“We need to have the opportunity to rotate and rest players leading into the back-end, so we are flying come the play-offs,” Kilshaw explained.
“Our squad was getting a little bit skinny and we are still working on maybe one or two more to come in and boost that depth and competition for places.”
The Roughyeds have also announced the departure of Australia backrow Jaron Purcell, who has been released from the remainder of his contract.
The 25-year-old forward, who has scored five times in 16 appearances, has been sidelined since the end of May with injury and will now return to Australia to continue in his recovery.
“We’re really disappointed to lose a player of Jaron’s quality,” admitted Kilshaw of the former Redcliffe Dolphins (Queensland Cup) player.
“For me he has been one of the best forwards in the Championship this season.
“Unfortunately his injury meant he’s decided to return to Australia and do his rehab there and get ready for next season.
“I feel he is a player that could step up and play Super League. I am sure he will go well in the Queensland Cup competition and maybe get an NRL opportunity down the track.”